Huge inning dooms Miami as Longhorns eliminate Hurricanes, Texas moves on to supers

Miami, Florida –A huge third inning for the Longhorns ultimately eliminate the Hurricanes 10-6 as Texas advances out of Coral Gables to the super regionals. What began as a shard of hope turned to bitter disappointment for the Miami faithful. UM’s bats continued where they left off with Dominic Pitelli hitting a three-run no-doubter to right field in the second inning for the early lead.

Dom 💣 Vol. 1⃣3⃣

T2 | No. 1 seed Miami 3, No. 2 seed Texas 0

📺: @ESPNU pic.twitter.com/h8Jp7tFn46

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) June 4, 2023

The momentum did not last.

Euphoria became disbelief as the Longhorns exploded for nine unanswered runs in the third. After striking out the first batter, Ronaldo Gallo’s effective outing came to a screeching halt. Miami’s starter gave up three runs on four hits before he was pulled for Carlos Lequerica. Within the quartet was Dylan Campbell who singled to left field on a 2-1 pitch extending his hitting streak to 38.

Things continued to spiral out of control when Lequerica surrendered a two-run double before issuing a pair of free passes. It culminated in Jalin Flores crushing the ball to center field for the grand slam. It was his second hit all weekend.

JALIN FLORES GOES YARD FOR THE GRAND SLAM 💥 @young_jflow | @TexasBaseball pic.twitter.com/987ymFqirK

— ESPN (@espn) June 4, 2023

The Hurricanes’ offense struggled mightly to manufacture a response. They stranded a runner in scoring position in the fourth; Yohandy Morales grounded into an inning-ending double play in the fifth; Jacoby Long whiffed stranding two more in the sixth. Afterward, the Canes showed life in the seventh with Yoyo slamming his 20th jack of the season. With the 49th home run of his college career, Morales moved to fourth on the all-time list for the program.

Y💣y💣 M💣rales is a DUDE 💪

T7 | No. 1 seed Miami 6, No. 2 seed Texas 10

📺: @ESPNU pic.twitter.com/z1UaOP6sNJ

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) June 5, 2023

Despite having the top of the order in the final inning, Zane Morehouse struck out the side. Only Edgardo Villegas managed to get aboard drawing a walk. The Hurricanes completed the 2023 season with a 42-21 record.

Impressions

Coach Gino Dimare's opening statement after the heartbreaking loss to Texas tonight.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/bwiVJRghsx

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) June 5, 2023

For the third straight year, the Miami Hurricanes were bounced in the regional, as the Longhorns eliminate the Hurricanes. It was almost stunning the way it happened. The Canes overcame a lot of adversity this season. UM was rolling with two starting pitchers, even at times one, witnessing a great effort from the relievers. The guys put up a historic season mashing 122 home runs complemented by a great year from both Gage Ziehl and All-American closer Andrew Walters. We saw tremendous plays on defense from Yoyo, Pitelli, CJ Kayfus, Long, and others to name a few. There was so much talent.

It was not enough.

Andrew Walters and Yohandy Morales reflecting on their time at Miami.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/Mc60XRZ8WY

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) June 5, 2023

This is why the heartbreaking loss stings. You wanted to see Morales and Walters at least make it to the Super Regionals, maybe even the College World Series. Unfortunately, it was not to be. The Hurricanes just couldn’t overcome Texas. Looking back, those first two innings against Lebarron Johnson Jr. were make-or-break for The U. Furthermore, no matter who they sent out without the offense the Canes stood little chance ultimately knocking them down to the elimination bracket. Winning three in a row was a big task, one they could not achieve.

It sucks that the season ended this way, but that’s baseball for you. Through all the highs and lows, it was a very fun season, and a pleasure covering this team and the young men on it. Believe it or not, one of my greatest joys is seeing these guys, Whether it’s Yoyo or Walters or Kayfus or FIU’s Logan Allen making it to the big leagues, to see them live their dreams and say that I watched them play at college. For before they were Marlins, Phillies, Devil Rays, Padres, Athletics, Reds, and Cardinals… they were Hurricanes.  Until next year guys and gals.

What coach DiMare told his players in the locker room after the game.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/kyNADw5SGY

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) June 5, 2023

Regional All-Tournament Team

P: Lebarron Johnson Jr. (Texas)

P: Rafe Schlesinger (Miami)

1B: Jared Thomas  (Texas)

2B: Blake Cyr (Miami)

SS: Kyle DeBarge (Louisiana)

3B: Yohandy Morales (Miami)

First Outfielder: Dylan Campbell (Texas)

Second Outfielder: Heath Hood (Louisiana)

Third Outfielder: Carson Roccaforte (Louisiana)

C: Garret Guillemette (Texas)

DH: Jalin Flores (Texas)

MVP: Lebarron Johnson Jr. (Texas)

📸Credit: Texas Baseball